The Winter Witch

by Paula Brackston

Morgana comes from a small Welsh town. There is no one quite like her. Not only does she not speak, but there is something strange, something magical, in her that frightens her neighbors. When her mother marries her off to a widower, Cai Bevan, the rumors fly. Morgana hopes she can find a place in her new home and make Cai happy, but the odds are stacked against her, especially when terrible things start happening on the farm. The only hope for her and Cai is for Morgana to learn to harness the great power inside her.

Paula Brackston is my favorite witch writer. I loved her first book, The Witch’s Daughter, and was thrilled to receive her second. Her books are part supernatural thriller and part historical fiction — the perfect combination. Her witches are similar to the witches I write: powerful women who use the ancient traditions of natural magic.

The Winter Witch is a lovely story of a heroine you can’t help but cheer for. Morgana is tough, determined and sweet. She doesn’t let anything, including not being able to talk, get in the way of what she knows to be right.

The writing is atmospheric and enchanting, the story gripping and complex. I was captivated by the descriptions of the Welsh countryside and the swoon-worthy romance. And the magic employed by Morgana and the evil witch, Isolda, is powerful and fascinating.

A must-read favorite!

Rated: Mild. Mild violence and one slightly descriptive, short sex scene between Cai and Morgana, a married couple.

— Reviewed by Teri Harman

Teri Harman is an author, reader and book enthusiast. Her young adult novel, Blood Moon, was published by Jolly Fish Press in summer 2013. She writes a biweekly column, Book Matters, for ksl.com and also contributes a monthly book segment to KSL’s #1 lifestyle show, Studio 5.